Union officials are concerned that if the outsourcing is similar to other hubs, wages will fall to about $8 an hour. And contract jobs don't typically include health insurance, said Abraham, who was holding an "Outsourcing Is Wrong" sign.

"After analyzing our staffing across our business, we have concluded that it makes financial and operational sense to transition subsidiary Continental cargo work to outside venders," said Christen David, a spokeswoman for United Airlines in Chicago. Outside vendors handle those tasks at its United subsidiaries, she added.

David said the decision has "nothing to do with the Hobby situation," referring to city officials' approval of a plan by Southwest Airlines to add international gates at Hobby Airport. United fought the effort.

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David added that in other cities - but not Houston - United has brought some key jobs such as customer service and ramp work back in-house. It has determined cargo work is not a core airline function and that United can't compete on costs.

United officials do not know what the effect will be on the workforce, she said, adding that United will work with the union to offer voluntary programs. That could include job reassignments, early retirement or severance pay.

The news came as a surprise last week to union officials who were assured by company representatives two months ago that it had no plans to outsource the Houston cargo operations, Abraham said.

It has also sent shock waves up and down the workforce. That's because many of the ramp employees will also find themselves out of work.

Gabriel Hernandez figures he will be one of those out of a job. Hernandez has worked on the ramp "throwing bags" for the past 4½ years. The $12.29 an hour he earns supports his wife and 7-year-old son. But because he hasn't been at the airline very long, he will get "bumped" out of his position by one of the outsourced employees with more seniority.

"Why do we have to lose our jobs?" asked Hernandez, who said he's already bracing for the worst by cutting family expenses. There are about 2,700 ramp workers in Houston.

Jorge Bonilla, grievance committee chairman for IAM Local 811, questions how United can outsource the work because its labor agreement contains a clause that doesn't allow the airline to change an employee's status or pay as a result of a merger.

Wayne Stokes, a ramp worker for 12 years, figures he'll keep his job but lose his safety responsibilities. And his weekends. Stokes currently has Fridays and Saturdays off, but that will likely change to midweek when he is bumped.

He said he and his wife willingly accepted lower pay and fewer hours after the 2001 terrorist attacks.

"We understood that," he said. "We accepted that." But not, he said, when the airline is as profitable as it is.

Lito Riccio figures the news will end her 12-year career. Riccio, who is "close to retirement," works in cargo sales. But she can't lift heavy packages, which she figures will be required with a new contractor.

"I want to keep my job," she said of her $22.32-an-hour position. "I don't want to retire."